Lebanon

[travel info]

Ahlan wa Sahlan!! Welcome! We are delighted to welcome you to Lebanon to celebrate our wedding. It is a country of extremes, contrasts, and even contradictions – but ultimately of beauty. Few countries around the world contain the overflowing passion for life as Lebanon can. In addition to the incredible events planned for our special guests throughout the week of July 9th, we hope you will find time to explore (responsibly) and discover some of the many qualities that have fostered that passion.

Travel to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut is relatively easy. There are direct flights to Beirut from dozens of well-known European, Middle Eastern and African hubs. If you need assistance booking your flight, you may contact Kurban Travel, who is managing our various logistic requirements throughout Beirut:

U.S. and EU Citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes. Travelers should hold return tickets, in addition to an address and phone number in Lebanon (e.g. hotel info). Passports must not contain any evidence of prior or intended travel to Israel (that’s reality, folks… not much we can do about it!). For more information on visas, contact your local Lebanese embassy or consulate or visit here. Feel free to consult with Kurban Travel with the contact information listed above.

Beirut has been welcoming international visitors for centuries. Hotel options are plentiful, but we have blocked rooms and negotiated rates for you at several select hotels. Click here to view hotel options and rates. In all cases, make sure to mention you are “Celine Zabad & Jad Najjar Wedding Guests” when contacting the relevant focal points. For transportation to your hotel from Beirut Airport, we recommend you book pick-up service (official taxi or hotel car service) through your hotel directly. Do not take a taxi from the airport.

If you are considering alternative options for hotels and accommodation, please note complimentary shuttle services for the wedding events will only be departing to/from our recommended hotels.

No matter what kind of tourist you are, Lebanon has much to offer. Be spontaneous and sightsee Beirut on your own, plan an itinerary for the week, or take advantage of suggested tours preceding the evening functions (more below). Either way, we strongly encourage you to use the days on which no events are scheduled for full day tours, so that you still have energy for the exciting evenings we’ve got planned for you.

If you prefer to experience the sights and tastes of Lebanon the way a Lebanese would, then click here for activities hand-picked by our insiders (Lana Chukri, Joanna Samaha, and Rana Khadra). For reference, you can also review the articles and videos suggested below.

Suggested Daytime Tour on Tuesday, July 11th

The "Cedars of God" is one of the last vestiges of the extensive forests of the Lebanon Cedar that once thrived across Mount Lebanon in ancient times, which for millennia was exploited by the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, and others, and which today is synonymous with Lebanon and graces its flag. Simply known as Al Arz, this UNESCO World Heritage site of nearly ~400 cedar trees is one of the most dramatically beautiful spots in the country. Just below the cedars is the town of Bcharre, the birthplace of Gibran Khalil Gibran. Prior to the function in Bishmizzeen, enjoy an optional tour of Al Arz and The Gibran Museum.

Suggested Daytime Tour on Wednesday, July 12th

Home to more than half the country’s population, Beirut is the capital and largest city in Lebanon. Chic, sexy and ultramodern but still steeped in scars and a history of a conflicted past, what Beirut is depends mostly on where you are in the Capital. One daytime tour certainly won’t capture everything Beirut has to offer, but it can cover some essentials! First start with a tour of the 10-kilometer long seafront promenade, Al Manara Corniche, overlooking one of Lebanon’s most iconic natural landmarks – Pigeon’s Rock. Continue to Saifi Village in the heart of Beirut, a neighborhood containing some of Beirut’s most distinguished art and design boutiques and galleries. End your trip in our historic Martyr’s Square, which commemorates heroes executed under the Ottoman Rule in World War I.

Suggested Daytime Tour on Thursday, July 13th

Taanayel is Lebanon’s piece of heaven: a small village with tree-lined alley ways, ducks roaming the famous lake’s calm water, and vineyards that bring Italy’s Tuscany to mind. Visit Lebanon’s second biggest winery in the Beqaa Valley at Chateux Kefraya and frolic in a greenery that makes you forget all your troubles. Drink responsibly though as more awaits you in our event that evening.

As a good friend once said: “I was worried about road-side bombs and checkpoints. I didn’t realize the thing I had to watch out for the most were crazy drivers, and crossing the street!”

Lebanon has survived a violent and well-publicized history of Civil War (1975-90), which left deep scars in the tissue of our society and infrastructure, scars that are still evident today. Yes, our neighborhood is a rough one. But the Lebanese spirit is unconquerable and few populations uphold the principles of tolerance the way Lebanese can. Rest assured, your safety is our TOP PRIORITY.

Our hotel recommendations have been heavily vetted for security and privacy, and the destinations we have selected for you will not expose you to any more danger than what you might face in popular tourist destinations like Times Square or the Las Vegas Strip. Nevertheless, you still have to use common sense, watch your step and mind your mouth… just as you would in L.A., New York City, London, Paris, Brussels, Istanbul or Dubai.

Travelling Around Beirut: If you’ve been to Beirut before, you know that traffic is a nightmare and driving requires a unique combination of courage and riskiness, a passive-aggressive defensive driving style. If you don’t know what that means, don’t get behind the wheel! If this is up your alley, both global and local car rental agencies are available.

In the interest of safety and organization, we recommend you utilize the buses and shuttles we will be offering to and from our wedding events from our recommended hotels. For additional exploring you wish to do on your own, we recommend you use private hotel transport, hotel recommended taxi agencies, rental car agencies, or Uber. All are in plentiful supply.

Currency: The USD is widely accepted throughout Lebanon, and the Lebanese pound, or lira, are pegged at 1,500 Lbp to US$1. Credit Cards are widely accepted, and if you plan to use it, you should opt to be charged in US dollar.

Food in Lebanon: Water, air and soil are different in Beirut. That’s why our food tastes so good! But not all stomachs, or kitchens, are created equal. Some tourists tend to have a higher sensitivity to fruits and vegetables. That’s why packing some anti-diarrheal and your preferred medicines from home might be a good idea. All catering for our wedding is provided by companies who are as well-known for their cleanliness and hygiene as they are for their flavors. If you’re on your own and searching for the best falafel or shawarma, or want to experience other Lebanese food options, please visit our Tourism/To Do/To Eat section.

Violence: According to World Life Expectancy, an organization that uses primary data from the World Health Organization, The World Bank, UNESCO, and individual country databases to compile global health rankings, Lebanon ranks #129 when it comes to “Violence” (El Salvador ranks #1, and Japan ranks #172). Many popular tourist destinations are statistically more “violent” than Lebanon: Turkey (#109), United States (#85), Thailand (#73), Bahamas (#31), and Mexico (#15) to name a few. See for yourself!

In fact, the top 5 leading causes of death in Lebanon are (info here):

TOP 5 CAUSES OF DEATH + World Rank

Coronary Heart Disease - 44

Stroke - 138

Breast Cancer - 17

Road Traffic Accidents - 84

Prostate Cancer - 86

If you’d rather not take our word for it and prefer a more institutional perspective on safety, security and politics in Lebanon, please visit the following:

Rana Cheikha

sister by default

The designer I admired since university – drooling over her portfolio and looking forward to collaborating together until we did. I would say our friendship is a threat to Rima Cheikha and I love every bit of it: start-up conversations, social media growth, and souls that vibe to adventurous hot air balloons! Thank you for being a much-needed support during this period!

Aya Makki

Aya Makki

flanky

Nothing will ever beat those music lyrics or man bashing quotes. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. The best thing though is I’m the flanky to your cleany.

Sari Awada

Sari Awada

My Sarsoor

Photo shoots and video clips, car cruises to blasting music and movie sessions on Sundays. We’ve replaced all that with talks about social media, soul searching trips, and career moves and that’s how you know we’ve grown older and slightly closer.

Jade Makki

Jade Makki

My almost Ex

We’ve always ever been friends first and then cousins, but we’ve got the best of both worlds and truth be told I’ve always wanted a Jad in my life even if the “e” is silent.

Fadi Zabad

Fadi Zabad

happy pill

The very definition of family. He’s been there through thick and thin, pulling me through and teaching me how to face it all on my own because I can. He is the happy pill to my Zabad.

Hisham Kekhia

Hisham Kekhia

fellow Aries

The friend that lasted the test of time. My fellow Aries and April baby, my eeda3sh and Garbage fan, the voice behind the Save The Dates, the friend that became a lifelong friend and family because of a punch in the tummy.

Ammar Qweider

Ammar Qweider

The Rabbit

The one who calls, the one who cares, the one you know will always be there. We’ve been through a lot of the same – from study sessions to long talks about relationships and family matters. Thanks for being the constant that ties us all in.

Ali Amarsy

Ali Amarsy

footsteps I follow

The footsteps I follow, the mentor, the brother I never had. Parked car conversations, Ted Talks practice, Zuma, bank loans that never made it back to my pocket and an overall Leo experience that was made all the more worthwhile because of him. He has supported and encouraged me in more ways than one and somehow filled a void of an older brother looking out for me.

Jamil Armanazi

Jamil Armanazi

Jamil of my life

5:00 am endless phonecalls, janerik crunches, and cruises to the best music ever. We’re the friends that turned into family, only he never gave me the British passport and that’s ok because I’ll settle for Caribbean; American optional. He’s the ‘Jamil’ in my life.

Bechara Abi Assi

Bechara Abi Assi

pillar of a bro

“Lil Sis” was the title he gave me back in AUB days and now he has become the pillar of a bro for me. Life lessons, losses and gains, “Maranello’s” and “Lean Back”, endless talks about defining moments and “The Power of Now”.

Bachir Nader

Bachir Nader

My Bacho

Leh? Mish masmoo7 hayda il shee?! It all started with interior design and it will certainly never end … Selfies, travel adventures, shopping, and lots of planning – we’ve been through it all through thick and thin and the world can’t get enough, so we will keep giving them more to look forward too! My Bacho, my dear, love…

Rasha Assi

Rasha Assi

heart of gold

The neighbor that came to me for advice, the salsa buddy that danced the nights away, the positivity in every smile, the love of life and the heart of gold.

Jeanne Abboud

Jeanne Abboud

baby sister

Different never looked so beautiful. They call her weird but that’s because she’s different. My forever movie buddy, the constant fun and smiles, the white nights on E watching red carpets and playing fashion police – she’s the baby sister I have!

Rana Khadra

Rana Khadra

Picture perfect

The spontaneous one who makes you live and love life. Accents and impersonations, sentimental gifts that have made an impact on me, and bucket lists that remind me of what truly matters. She is the pleasant surprise, the unexpected treasure in a friend.

Hind Al Nafisi

Hind Al Nafisi

Soul sister

A voice that echoes across hearts, a body that sways to the rhythm of everything. She started the “Celine, I found your…” movement and spread the nickname “tiny” for me. She makes an epic facial expression whenever I get high pitched – make sure you ask her about it. Wall climbing, mali khilg moments and a laughter you can point out from miles away!

Lana Chukri

Lana Chukri

blue eyed painter

To feel is a curse not everyone understands and that’s why in the midst of a crowd we often text each other word images and quotes that move our minds and hearts. Colors, TedX moments, blogs, words and emotions are a few of our favorite things, but best of all is our one-on- one existential talks.

Joanna Chami

Joanna Chami

Majnouneh

“Ditch the bitch and switch” to “whatevs” and “Leo Peeps” to “TBDubz”, no one cuts out the crap like she does and that’s why she’s the anchor to our anchors. The dark humor that goes crazy every once in a while and gives us all the good vibes. The contagious sense of fun that can throw you a mawzeh all the same.

Joanna Samaha

Joanna Samaha

my confidante

The one that everyone loves. She knows it and she says it as a matter of fact. My fashion police since Leo days and my foodie app since forever. Mention the restaurant and she’ll tell you the specials. From relationships to work advice and being my stress relief ever since engagement planning. She’s been my confidante.

Kika Karam

Kika Karam

best friend

SWAG never looked so good. Leo colleagues to sistas from other mistas. Birthday extravaganzas, coffee breaks and endless gossip don’t begin to describe what we have. Where I curl up, she sleeps on her back, where she raps and rhymes, I fall on her chickens and forget the lyrics, where I’m African, she’s got the Afro – she’s the opposite I attract.

Yara Sabga

Yara Sabga

sister to be

A childhood friend and sister. A sister to be. My sister in law. From braiding our hair the Nigerian way to dancing in our house with cushions over our heads to sleepovers and dreams of acting… We’ve known each other all our lives and there’s more to come.

RSVP Form

[The North]

RSVP for this event is now closed.

Shadi Zakhour

Shadi Zakhour

Groomsman

Shadi and I share Najjar blood but also the syndrome of Lebanese- American Split Personality. Years might pass us by, but it always feels “just like yesterday”.

Juan Zacarias

Juan Zacarias

Groomsman

Juan and I share Najjar blood, and our relation could not be more obvious from the way we treat our single malt whiskey and indulge our stomachs.

RSVP Form

[Nigerian Lebanese Night]

RSVP for this event is now closed.

RSVP Form

[Celebration of Life]

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Karl Hedari

Karl Hedari

Groomsman

Those who know both Karl and I might use the term ‘bromance’ to characterize our friendship. He is as credible as any when it comes to BFFs.

Mike Young

Mike Young

Groomsman

Mike “picked me up” at a neighborhood pub in Houston in the spring of 2007 and showed me what real Southern Hospitality is. Our friendship reminds me of the ways I am good, and of the ways I can be better.

Gadi Ungar

Gadi Ungar

Groomsman

Gadi’s approach to romantic relationships gave me an example to follow. He dotes on his wife by calling her “My Sweet”, and for that reason, each time I call Celine “Sweetie”, Gadi’s there.

Elliot Trexler

Elliot Trexler

Groomsman

Elliott and I had to travel half way across the world to discover we lived 5 minutes away from each other in Indiana. No friendship has inspired courageousness and open- mindedness more than his.

Paul Saliba

Paul Saliba

Groomsman

Paul is an older brother I never had. He never wants to see me fail at anything, and when I’m running short on success he is a deep reservoir of intellect, wisdom and support.

Niccolo Rossi

Niccolo Rossi

Groomsman

A charming man whose capacity for reason and eloquence is almost a match for mine. We met at a charity work event, in which we manually restructured the Swiss definition of community service.

Khalid Howladar

Khalid Howladar

Groomsman

Khalid would get hit by a moving car for me. In fact, he literally did. He’s an older brother I never had. Over an extra dirty vodka martini, nobody gives better advice.

T.J. Henderson

T.J. Henderson

Groomsman

Across our 20+ year friendship, TJ and I shared a sarcastic, even irreverent sense of humor. Failed middle school crushes brought us together, and as fate would have it we are getting married to the women we love within the same week!

Rami El Zein

Rami El Zein

Groomsman

Back when “Brangelina” was a thing, Rami came up with the affectionate term “Ja-line”. He’s a beautiful soul, and come D-Day, I think his happiness might exceed mine!

Elias Azar

Elias Azar

Groomsman

“Lousa”, as I affectionately call him, is more than a neighbor from Lebanon. A friend who has been there since the beginning of memory, he was and remains my first brother.

Tristan Arnaud

Tristan Arnaud

Groomsman

One of the most principled men I know. “Amigos” since 2014 when our friendship started in Mexico, over habanero salsa and tequila (where his tolerance far exceeds mine!).

Fouad Abou-Ayyash

Fouad Abou-Ayyash

Groomsman

He’s always been the “inside-man” supporter of my relationship with Celine. When he says, “if there’s anything you need, let me know”, I know he means it.

Sina Azeri

Sina Azeri

Best Man

A friend with an unparalleled combination of sincerity, empathy, courage and support for my relationship with Celine. Always driven to solve and resolve – I trust he’ll continue to impart that wisdom on me.

Alfonso Alanis

Alfonso Alanis

Best Man

Friends for 25 years, it’s impossible to think of a longer-running friendship with a higher sense of loyalty… he remembers more than he forgets, and always keeps his promises. I trust him to help me keep mine.

Christiana Johnson

Christiana Johnson

WAHALA

Double trouble. Jefia to Odibo with Sokoh Estate in between. Kent nights and water fights, dancing competitions and endless laughter. Sleepovers and aproko till you became a mama and I’m about to become a Mrs. Nigerian sister since 1987.

Maya Khreiss

Maya Khreiss

makki to my roll

A smile that dances to barely a hint of Arabic music. Informer, imaginary friends, handwritten letters, sleepovers, car rides and loud music… The Makki to my roll, she’s the family I was born into, she’s the choice that couldn’t have been made better for me.

Lynn Wakil

Lynn Wakil

my sister

We both suffer from ‘The Only Child Syndrome’ a unique case of uniqueness in every sense of the word. My sister since 2000 (when we could no longer practice our “only child” rights… or could we?)

Rima Bailly

Rima Bailly

my mar7a

She was my mar7a, I was her far7a; the equivalent of Bonnie and Clyde in Arabic, Pinky & The Brain, Tom & Jerry … you get the idea. My pillar since Grade 8.

Leila Fenelon

Leila Fenelon

positive constant

She smiles even when she cries. She sang harmony while I was off- beat. The positive constant of my life since Grade 7.